Bertie

"Liberty", better known as Bert or Bertie was born on April Fools Day, 2006, at or somewhere near Abilene Greyhound Park in Abilene, Kansas.  Practically nothing else is known about Bert's early life, as the track in Abilene appears not to have maintained much in the way of records.  It is believed that Bert was placed in a post-racetrack home in the Minneapolis area around 2010, give or take a year.

In the fall of 2013 Bert became available again, having either been removed from his adoptive home or simply returned to the adoption group that had placed him there.  Why this occurred has never been satisfactorily explained. Bert lived in an animal hospital in the Twin Cities area from Nov. 2013 until April 2014 before he was adopted a second time and relocated to his new home in Thunder Bay, ON.

                                                      Bert with his pal Needle.

It did not take long for Bert to endear himself to his new "mama" as well as his doggie-day-care friends.  Bert greeted everyone he met with excitement and was a willing companion for walks, car rides, trips to pet-friendly stores and to grandma's retirement home, where he graciously accepted many a pet and kind word from the staff and residents. He attracted compliments wherever he went and was always a perfect gentleman, warmly welcomed everywhere.  While Bert could relax with the best of them, when it was time for action Bert kicked into high-gear, enthusiastically plunging himself into whatever activity arose, always with unbridled joy.  He especially enjoyed rampaging in the yard with his frequent companion and pal, Needle, where, despite his age and several old injuries, Bert gamely chased, wrestled and frolicked with his younger friend. 

In the fall of 2014, only six months after moving to his new home, Bertie began to experience some pain.  He was diagnosed with arthritis and, with the help of medication, was back on his feet very soon.  Apart from the occasional poor day Bert enjoyed good health and spirits until the end of January, 2015.  At that time, Bert's condition worsened, his medication did not seem to be doing much for him and he soon paid a visit to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, with the "hope" that his ever-increasing pain was being caused by a repairable back injury.  Sadly, it was learned that what had been ailing Bert was, in fact, inoperable bone cancer and the decision was made to relieve him of any further suffering.  On March 8, 2015, our poor Bertie left us, with his mama at his side and his closest friends, including his boy Needle, nearby.

                                                         Handsome Bert: 2006 - 2015.